We were met by El Presidente’s grandson Angelo Jarin Aguinaldo. My car-mates came ahead and were shown the magnificent house by my friend, resident guide (gratis con amore) Antolin Bolivar.

I don’t have narratives here, except for some that I might have missed to point out in my previous blog of this mansion. Thus, this post will essentially be a photo-blog. I hope the photos pique your interest in our history. Visit the Aguinaldo Shrine. And chances are you will bring your friends and be proud to have them discover this beautiful house by the river in Kawit.

See the details on the ceiling above. It is the map of the Philippines !

The inner sanctum. There are many secrets in this room. Like an exit via a panel that leads to the toilet on the dignitaries’ hall, and peephole from inside the cabinets where he can hide himself to avoid unwanted guests.

the escape from his bedroom (other side of the panel is his bedroom)

This escape route via the ceiling is accessed from a panel on the wall, and leads right to a slide down the river where a boat is waiting. And on to the sea.

Not your ordinary dining table. It is so heavy no one will suspect that underneath is the entry to a tunnel that leads to the church in Kawit

the topmost floor of the tower

the tower

the veranda of “sinners”

looking out of the mansion

the swimming pool, in those days it was a rarity

the washing machine has a furnace at the base where firewood makes for a hot water laundry wash

If interested to join a group of photo hobbyists (there are only a very very few professionals here) who travel cheap and shoot for fun, and to promote tourism, click on this link and “Ask to join”. I am only one of their members.

Unless you live in the area, you will only refer to this church as Bamboo Organ. I remember vacationing friends asking me to join them for “simbang gabi” at the Bamboo Organ. The church is also the venue of the International Bamboo Organ Festival, the longest running music festival in the Philippines. But the church is neither made of bamboo, nor is it dominated by an organ. Of course no church will ever be named after a musical instrument. Ever heard of a Trombone Church?

The church is actually the St Joseph Parish Church. A school also called St Joseph is within the church yard. The church as it stands now and the structures around it were restored in 1975 by Architect Francisco Manosa and his partner Ludwig Alvarez. The church was built by a Spanish priest named Father Diego Cera.

From WIKIPEDIA : “Fr. Cera began work on the organ in 1816, while the church was still under construction. The church was completed in 1819 and the organ was playable in 1821, but without the trumpet stops. The organ was finally completed in 1824 after Fr. Cera decided make the trumpets using metal, musical characteristics of which he could not replicate with bamboo.

During Fr. Cera’s lifetime, disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons damaged both church and organ. Fr. Cera himself was the organ’s first “restorer.”Down through the years, natural disasters continued to take their toll; the organ was unplayable for years. Somewhat unexpectedly reassembled early in the 20th century, partial restoration took place from time to time up through World War II.”

Visit this church when you are down south. If you must make only one visit and can pick a day and time, it is best to attend a simbang gabi when the church transforms into a magical place, all lit up, with the huge acacia tree decorated with hundreds of lighted star shaped lanterns. And many puto bumbong and bibingka stall around the church yard, with vendors dressed in native costumes.

By public transportation, take a jeepney ride from Baclaran to Zapote, making sure the jeepney does not take the “Coastal Road” route. The church sits right in the heart of old las Pinas town.

I have passed this road many times, and knew there was this church. But it seemed strange that from the main road, it is the back of the church that is visible. That is why I have always ignored it.

Until one day when I stopped. Since then, I have recommended to friends that they visit this church when they are in the area.

From WIKIPEDIA: St. Mary Magdalene Church in Kawit, Cavite (Parokya ni Santa Maria Magdalena) is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was initially said to be built of wood as early as 1638 through the help of six Filipino families from the towns of Maragondon and Silang Cavite. The town Kawit which was formerly known as Cavite Viejo during Spanish occupation was frequent by Spanish marines and slowly turned into a “Red Light District” and to help solve the bad reputation of the place Manila Archbishop Miguel Garcia Serrano (1618–1629) ordered to place St. Mary Magdalene as patroness of the town. Some people and researchers say that it is possible that she may not be the original patron saint of the town since most of the old parishes in Cavite was consecrated to the Virgin Mary. The Church is known for healing and helping resolve personal problems

The interiors are one of the best in the country

(From wikipedia) The antique and miraculous life-size image of Mary Magdalene in Kawit, Cavite has a “mark” in the middle of her forehead, it resembles a mole and no living local in Kawit knows why the statue has such a mark. Speculations suggests that this is the symbolic mark of Jesus’s finger tips during the resurrection when he had appeared to Magdalene and said Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not). Some suggests that this mark is to clearly identify her identity from the Virgin Mary. The statue is traditionally danced in the streets of Kawit as a procession in the month of May and on the eve of her feast day which is July 22, this is called “Karakol” or “Caracol” which is Spanish word meaning “snail”. The statue is a detailed wooden sculpture with carved hair, draped clothing and a pair of silver shoes, she holds a crucifix on her left hand and a jar or perfume on the right hand. The color of her detailed wardrobe is a mixture of pink, orange, gold and a hint of light green beneath the orange draping. Although this detailed carved clothing is not usually seen because by tradition the image is clothed with a gown usually red in color with gold embroideries and orange, yellow or golden cape. The image also has a wig on top of the carved hair, the wig is long and reaches until the hem of the gown, three yellow strips of ribbon (or sash) is pinned horizontally at the gown to secure the wig from being displaced, and at the bottom a pocket that secures the tip of her wig. Only the face and hands are repainted from time to time the rest of the image’s original paint is untouched.

The details are unbelievable

The years have tinted the church’s facade with a characteristic patina, prevalent in the brick walls, making the plastered cornices and pilasters that divide the facade stand out to the eye. The facade is otherwise devoid of any flamboyant decorative elements. The first level is marked off by pilasters into vertical bays. The arched main portal dominates the center of the facade, topped by the seal of the church’s patroness represented by two capital letter M’s. Rectangular windows line the second level. The pediment features a central niche which enshrines the statue of Saint Mary Magdalene. A tall bell tower is attached to the left side of the facade and its lower levels are square. These levels have windows on every side. The top level is tapered and octagonal. All of the bell tower’s windows have arched windows marked by ‘ventanilla’ latticework below the sills. The belfry is capped by a metal dome which is in turn topped with a weathervane. (from wikipedia)

The Church is a favorite location for filming, the music video “Tell The World of His Love” produced for the World Youth Day in 1995 was filmed in the interiors of the church which starred many big stars of the Philippines such as Sharon Cuneta. Recently in 2011 a historical movie entitled “El Presidente” the life of Emilio Aguinaldo was filmed there with Philippine superstar Nora Aunor. (from wikipedia)

old red bricks at the side entrance

red bricks and moss-covered adobe

I suggest you visit, too.

On public transportation, jeepneys and mini buses ply this route from Baclaran or Zapote. The church is just past the famous Kawit landmark – – the Aguinaldo Shrine. In fact it is within walking distance.

I have called Laiya the best beach destination south of Metro Manila. Just the other day, I took my vacationing brother and sister and their families, as well as my mom who is also on holiday, to this beach paradise.

So many options, and this list is maybe just a quarter of places to check out

ONE LAIYA

I first took them to One Laiya, formerly Tayabas Bay Beach Resort which is now dwarfed by a tall building – – a hotel called Estrellas de Mendoza. Old clients of One Laiya may even have difficulty finding the resort. The only clue is that one gets to the gate of a beach subdivision and then take the side roads to the right.

Easily one of the most affordable accommodations are here

This native hut is by the beach. But you will have to use the common toilet facilities, as there is none in this hut.

VIRGIN BEACH RESORT

I visited Virgin Beach Resort next. Seeing how beautiful this place is, I wondered how I missed it the first time.

Virgin feels like an untouched beach paradise

It seems like this place is destined to always be sunny, with bright skies.

Kayak your way to the nearby resorts

The restaurant is so inviting

ACUATICO

On to Acuatico, the premier beach hotel in Laiya. Yes, the only hotel I know without an “off-peak” rate because it is so popular. The weekends are presently booked solid up to May 2013

This infinity pool defines Acuatico

The bar/cafe/resto overlooks the infinity pool and the ocean

ACUA VERDE

Last on my tour is Acua Verde, formerly Balai sa Laiya. This was my favorite resort then, and about a year ago Acuatico leased Balai and called it Acua Verde. Nice to know that they did not fell any of the trees that gave the old Balai a provincial atmosphere. I felt then like I was visitng a relatives beach house in the province. Thankfully, Acuatico just updated Balai into Acua Verde and so now the place actually looks better than my old favorite.

Bamboo cabanas at P5,000 for an overnight stay, P5,500 on weekends. Good for 6 persons. Aircon casitas P7,350 weekdays, P8,100 in weekends. Casitas are good for 4 persons. Discounted rates for 2-nights booking. Rates ae lower on off-peak (July 1-December 14). Minimum charge of P1.400 per person per day for meals (lunch, dinner and breakfast).

Room rates start at P6,940 (room called Infiniti, with twin bed for 2 persons) to P21,400 (room called Estancia, with 2 queen and 2 twin beds, for 6 persons).Room rates inclusive of breakfast and use of all facilities.

Rooms are at P6,500 and P7,500 depending on room type. Rates are for 2 persons, and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

How to get there: Check out my other blog entry on Laiya.

Question: How do I get to Laiya ?

The first route : SLEX to San Pablo to Laiya(via Quezon Province):

fruits along the way.. rambutan P80/kilo

lanzones at P150/kilo, and avocados

Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and drive on towards the direction of Sto.Tomas in Batangas. Drive When you hit Sto. Tomas, turn left towards Quezon province, hitting Alaminos, Laguna first. You will pass San Pablo City, and then you will hit the Laguna-Quezon boundary. You will pass by Dolores, and then Tiaong. When you see a huge “SAN JUAN” directional sign on your right, pointing to the right, follow that direction and just turn right. Follow this road until you hit San Juan town proper, about 14 kms away. This road forks at some point, with a little bit of unpaved road towards the end. Take this unpaved road. The unpaved road is so short anyway and you will soon be back to cemented roads. You will then find yourself at an intersection. This is the main highway, and you will see the San Juan Town Hall at the corner. Do not make any turns, just cross the road, and you are on your way to the beach area, around 25 kms ahead. Even as you drive on this road, you will see several signages that refer to beach resorts and subdivisions being developed in Laiya.

The trip is approx 2 1/2 hours from the Villamor tollgate of the SLEX.

Route 2 : STAR Tollway to Lipa and onward to Laiya :

Take the same direction to Sto. Tomas, Batangas, as in the directions above. Drive on to Lipa, either via the old road or thru the STAR TOLLWAY, making your exit in Lipa. From Lipa, drive on to Rosario, the next bigger town. You will pass thru the towns of San Miguel and San Roque before you hit Rosario. From Rosario, drive on to Balugbug. The next big town after Balugbug is San Juan. If you are going to Laiya, then follow the directions I gave in Route 1.

Having taken the 2 routes, I will still recommend Route 1. It is easier to follow, and is not much longer. And then you can afford the adventure of taking the Lipa route on return.